Types of Criminal Justice Degrees

Submitted by Samuel Homes on Friday, Jan 24th, 2014

Pursing a degree and career in criminal justice is becoming more and more popular. It's a validating job that makes people feel happy with at the end of the day. While criminal justice may not be for everyone, it's good to know your options when it comes to a degree before completely ruling out a degree in criminal justice.

There are several criminal justice schools you may be able to choose from. Some schools have better criminal justice programs than others. Some also offer more degrees to choose from. It depends on the school, and its program in criminal justice.

While not all schools have the same level of criminal justice degrees, they typically have a few basic degrees available to students. They are: criminal justice, criminology and forensic technology, paralegal, and paralegal studies. Many colleges offer programs to become a lawyer, which may also potentially be a criminal justice degree or career you could choose to pursue.

If you wanted to look for other degree options, you should look into schools you are interested in going to and their criminal justice degrees available. There are also criminal justice careers that may not require a college degree if that makes sense for you career, short term or long term.

Criminology and Forensic Technology

This degree includes learning about ways to control, and prevent crime. You may learn about criminal behavior and patterns, and you may also learn skills needed in forensics. The job expectancy for this degree is expected to rise in coming years. People with this degree may work in private companies, have their own businesses, and many work with law enforcement too*.

Criminal Justice

Many people work in criminal justice. So, there are several careers to choose from after receiving this degree. This degree allows you to learn not only about the high-profile aspect of law enforcement and criminal justice in general, but the other side. This is the side involving learning and using technology, working with other people, and understanding how and what it takes to work in criminal justice. You may learn the fundamentals of the criminal justice system, and skills needed to use that system to put away criminals.

There is a demand for people with this degree. Entry level positions for people with this degree include private investigation, security, and community corrections. There are other options as well. This degree may or may not qualify you for a career in law enforcement. If that is what you want to do, you should contact where you want to work to see the requirements you must meet**.

Paralegal and Paralegal Studies

Lawyers need assistants in order to help them out, and these degrees may train you to be the assistant they need. If your goal is to eventually become a lawyer, but you can't yet afford it, becoming a paralegal is a great stepping stone. It is similar to an internship, but you get paid. Some paralegals even make more than $95,000 a year***.

The demand for paralegals is predicted to rise over the next few years. Paralegals may work in many places, almost anywhere where lawyers are present. If you are looking for something else, look into some good criminal justice schools. They may likely have more options for you to choose from when it comes to choosing the right degree for you.

Many people are satisfied with working in the field of criminal justice. It's a validating degree, and you are working for a cause. So, if you are looking for a college degree, consider getting one in criminal justice.

Are you ready to pursue your criminal justice career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our criminal justice degree finder at the top of this page. ↑